By Michael Hoffer
(Ed. note: We’ll recap the rest of the 2008-09 sports season next week)

After a madcap three weeks of tournament action, the curtain has fallen on the 2008-09 basketball season.
For all five Portland schools, it was a year to remember.
The Deering girls’ team repeated as Class A state champion. While that was the lone Gold Ball captured, there were plenty of other memories.
Waynflete fell a basket shy of playing in a first-ever Class C Final. Cheverus, McAuley and Portland all qualified for the playoffs as well.
On the boys’ side, Cheverus dominated from Day 1 until the Stags were shocked in the semifinal round of the playoffs. Portland had to play a prelim, but then took flight and soared to the regional final. Deering almost upset the eventual champ in the quarterfinals, while Waynflete overcame a 2-9 start to reach Augusta.
From mid-November through the final day of February, strong team play, dynamic individuals and coaches, and dramatic finishes were the rule.
The 2009-2010 season can’t arrive soon enough, but for now, here’s a look back at a season to cherish.

DeerGBBurchill.JPGSophomore Kayla Burchill and her Deering teammates had no peer this winter as the Rams went 22-0 and repeated as Class A state champs. (File photo)
ChevBBCummings2.jpgCheverus junior Lenny Cummings and his teammates had their way with every opponent this winter until running into Thornton Academy in the regional semifinals. The Stags finished 19-1. (File photo)
WaynGBQazi2.JPGSenior Mariam Qazi and her Waynflete teammates enjoyed their best season since joining Class C, winning 17 games and reaching the regional final for the first time. (File photo)


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